Consumer Affair
One case of botulism reported in California
By Ben Wasserman
Jul 27, 2007 - 5:01:59 PM

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California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced today July 27 that a 51-year-old San Diego Country woman has a confirmed case of botulism.

It remains unknown whether the case is associated with Castleberry Food canned products being recalled due to possible contamination of the neurotoxin that causes botulism.

The woman, who was hospitalized and is now recovering at home, claimed she purchased and ate one of the recalled products, Kroger Chili with Beans, in early July.

The San Diego County Health and Human Service Agency and the CDPH are currently investigating the possible connection.

“The confirmed case of botulism poisoning in San Diego reminds us of the serious health risk posed by this toxin," said Dr. Mark Horton, CDPH director.

“Californians should remain vigilant about not consuming the recalled products. If you have the recalled product, discard it immediately."

In the California case, the claimed source of botulism, the Kroger Chili with Beans product consumed by the San Diego County woman, was thrown away before tests could be performed, meaning the link could never be confirmed by lab tests.

Regardless, certain lots of Kroger Chili with beans are among the products being voluntarily recalled by Castleberry Food Co. based out of Augusta, GA.

The recall was prompted last week after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention received four reports of botulism cases in two states associated with the consumption of Castleberry Hot Dog Chili Sauce.

Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration also updated the recall information today July 27 to remind consumers that some products being recalled are still in some stores, likely in the possession of consumers.

"Given the potentially fatal effects of botulism poisoning and the fact that over 90 products and 27 brands of food are potentially contaminated, consumers need to carefully check their pantries and cupboards and dispose of any recalled product immediately," the FDA said in its statement dated on July 27.

The FDA worry was triggered after the agency in collaboration with the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and many other state agencies has visited thousands of retailers this week to ensure the recalled products manufactured by Castleberry Food Company are removed from store shelves and ensure proper disposal of the products.

The FDA agents discovered that 307 out of the 3,788 stores they visited are still selling the product potentially contaminated with botulism.   The stores of concern are smaller stores, independent grocers and convenience stores.

Consumers may check the list of products being recalled at FDA: Chili products (botulism) recall updated.   The FDA said that the canned chili products, stew, hash, BBQ, gravy, and pet food could cause life-threatening illness.

Botulism, a rare illness, is caused by a neurotoxin formed by bacteria known as Clostridium botulinum in the environment with oxygen present. Canned food is an ideal place for the bacteria to produce the toxin.  

People in all age groups are susceptible to botulism and a few nanograms of the toxin can lead to foodborne botulism, according to the FDA.

Symptoms of the illness show up often 18 to 36 hours after ingestion of a food containing the toxin, but the incubation period can vary from 4 hours to 8 days.

The common signs of botulism include "Early signs of intoxication consist of marked lassitude, weakness and vertigo, usually followed by double vision and progressive difficulty in speaking and swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distention, and constipation may also be common symptoms," the FDA states.

The botulism toxin "has been demonstrated in a considerable variety of foods, such as canned corn, peppers, green beans, soups, beets, asparagus, mushrooms, ripe olives, spinach, tuna fish, chicken and chicken livers and liver pate, and luncheon meats, ham, sausage, stuffed eggplant, lobster, and smoked and salted fish," according to the FDA.  Now chili products are new additions to the list.

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